Expanded speedway/automation system
May 2012
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As part of the expansion of Wago’s Speedway modular IP67 automation system, the company’s Profinet-IO fieldbus coupler now supports functions for conformance class B. This allows the application of Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
Wago now offers the options of programming (CoDeSys 3), parameterisation (FDT/DTM) and firmware updates via Ethernet/TCP for the programmable Ethernet fieldbus coupler. This means that both a local USB port on the coupler and entire Ethernet topology of a system can be utilised for these services. In addition, Profibus offers handling capabilities such as change of tools. This creates greater system flexibility by permitting variable Speedway station sizes to be implemented without extensive engineering.
In addition to updating the technology, Wago is also expanding the Speedway product portfolio. This includes a parameterised serial interface module that is suitable for simultaneous connection of up to two RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 terminal devices and up to four additional sensors or actuators. A new I/O enclosure class will also be introduced that enables 1:1 connection of up to eight M12 sensors or actuators (8DI, 8DO 0.5A, 8DIO 0.5A). Another recent innovation includes eight interference-free versions of various Speedway modules with digital outputs, indicated by the order number suffix /0000-0800, which are particularly well suited for use in safety circuits.
For more information contact Christo Grobler, Shorrock Automation, +27 (0)12 345 4449, sales@shorrock.co.za, www.shorrock.co.za
Further reading:
Control Station and Dimension Software partner to connect control performance monitoring with enterprise operations intelligence
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control Station has entered into a strategic technology partnership with Dimension Software, a leading provider of industrial operations management platforms. The collaboration connects Control Station’s PlantESP control loop performance monitoring platform with Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect operations intelligence environment, enabling manufacturers to operationalise control performance insights across their organisations.
Read more...
PCIe digitiser cards for optimal GHz signal acquisition and analysis
Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The addition of two new PCIe Digitiser cards from Spectrum Instrumentation extends the company’s flagship M5i series to deliver optimal GHz signal acquisition and analysis capabilities.
Read more...
Precise, synchronised control for automated steel mesh handling system
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Automation specialist Hambi Maschinenbau has developed a world-first system that automates the cutting, handling and stacking of heavy reinforcing steel mesh – a task that previously required up to six human operators.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-3: Feedforward Control: Part 2
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control tuning is not nearly as critical as feedback tuning, and fairly simple models are usually fine for the purpose in hand.
Read more...
Upgrading radiological surveillance systems in nuclear facilities
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nuclear plant operators face an uncomfortable reality. Many of the control and monitoring systems still in use today were never designed to support the full operational lifespan of the facilities they serve.
Read more...
Next-level CAN Software enables easy access to CAN XL
Industrial Data Xchange (IDX)
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
With the release of its PCAN-Explorer 7, PEAK delivers a major update that adds full support for CAN XL, multiple symbol files per connection, Python scripting and flexible licensing including floating licenses.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-2: Feedforward Control: Part 1
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control is a powerful technique that can dramatically improve control variance in cases where load changes cause big deviations from setpoint and the actual process dynamics are too slow to allow the feedback controller to operate fast enough to catch these disturbances.
Read more...
10G TSN endpoint IP core for deterministic high-speed Ethernet networks
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems has introduced a new 10G TSN endpoint IP core, enabling deterministic real-time communication at data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.
Read more...
Beckhoff expands economy drive system
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s new AM1000 servomotor joins the company’s economy drive system. The compact, powerful motor and the AX1000 servo drive provide users with a perfectly coordinated, cost-optimised drive system.
Read more...
CC-Link IE Field supports egg carton production
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Huhtamaki’s Franeker plant in the Netherlands manufactures more than 11 million egg cartons every week using recycled paper. To support its highly automated lines, the site has begun upgrading its automation systems from older serial network standards to CC-Link IE Field, an open industrial Ethernet technology that offers faster performance due to gigabit bandwidth and better diagnostics.
Read more...